​FILMS

pawn sacrifice

2015 review number 143:

Pawn Sacrifice: (Drama): 80 out of 100: Even if you know nothing about chess, this account of Bobby Fischer's life with a focus on the 1972 World Chess Championship with Russian Boris Spassky, makes for fascinating and compelling viewing. The second half sails by with the gripping chess scenes ensuring that it's as tense and suspenseful as any top-notch thriller. That's a testament to Edward Zwick's tight and efficient direction which allows the actors to shine.

 

Tobey Maguire plays chess Grandmaster Bobby Fischer who is plagued by suspicions and paranoia. He is America's greatest hope when it comes to defeating the Russians including Boris Spassky (Liev Schreiber). His attempts to be the world number one chess player are aided by priest William Lombardy (Peter Sarsgaard) and lawyer Paul Marshall (Michael Stuhlbarg), with both men convincing him to maintain his efforts and to ignore distractions. The film opens with a younger version of Fischer and his passion for chess followed by the teenage Fischer who defeats adult experts before progressing to the adult version played by Maguire.

 

Maguire embodies Fischer by investing in his personality, demonstrating the insecurities that he was renowned for. There are occasions though when he acts by shouting but it's probably a reflection of Fischer's character as he was known as a determined, passionate man. Schreiber makes for a worthy opponent and excels in his Russian speaking role. Both combatants illustrate the Cold War tension that existed between the Soviet Union and the United States. Both Sarsgaard and Stuhlberg deliver in their support roles, providing the emotional balance that Fischer desperately craves.

 

The film looks authentic with the '60s and '70s brilliantly conveyed through its set decoration and costume design. The music of the era is also included to provide a genuine feel. Real life footage is also shown to highlight that this film is based on true events. Even if you didn't live in this period, you will feel like you are living it by seeing this film.

 

The direction by Zwick allows the actors to display their talents. If you are familiar with his films like Glory, Legends of the Fall and The Last Samurai, you will know that he includes grand dramatic scenes to develop the characters. He is helped by intriguing dialogue to showcase the tension between the characters. There is a lull during the middle section with an emphasis on Fischer's paranoia before the gripping, fast flowing chess scenes providing an enjoyable final act. One aspect that was lacking was an aerial view of the chess moves as this would have made for an even more exciting depiction of the games.

 

I'm not a chess player yet I found this was as exciting as any sports films that feature action-packed scenes. It will be interesting to see how much of this was fictionalised for dramatic purposes but whatever the case, this is an entertaining film featuring admirable performances and exceptional storytelling.

 

Starring Tobey Maguire, Liev Schreiber, Peter Sarsgaard and Michael Stuhlbarg

(114 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFHvH9FtACg (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 24th September, 2015)

 

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